Pillars in Progress: The High 5 Commitment to Community Partnership

In the last eight months, little has remained the same in the way we live, learn, and play. Yet, the anxiety and apprehension most of us feel has begun to fade slightly. The upside isn’t about taking unnecessary risks in advancing the spread of the Coronavirus; it’s about advancing a greater sense of balance in the cause of life itself for individuals and families throughout our region.

At High 5, that’s what we do.

Since 1963, we’ve been a family-first sports and aquatics facility that’s gone above and beyond the norm to make a real impact in the lives of children, families, individuals, and adults with special needs. For years, we’ve worked to get EVERYONE in the game, providing opportunities for participation and scholarship to people on every rung of the economic ladder. Now, it’s time to get back to it!

A proud past—a bright future

Those familiar with High 5 will likely know that we’re a leader in after-school programs, water safety, special needs education, and sports and recreation programs. Those pillars make meaningful and lasting impacts on behalf of others, contributing to the physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing of the region at large.

Fast fact: Our 12.5-acre campus serves the greater athletic goals of more than 15,000 people and their families!

As a community-based 501 c3, non-profit organization, we’re an essential part of the educational framework in Hillsborough county, joining together in support of nine local public schools, along with their governing boards and members of law enforcement. All of us, without exception, are committed to the same principles of social distancing, mask wearing, and personal hygiene. Just like we did with “Camp High-5” over the summer, we know our best shot at defeating the coronavirus is to give it our best shot.

Promises made, promises kept

High 5 follows all CDC guidelines for safety, including maintaining a 1:9 teacher/student ratio, but also believes strongly that kids and adults of all ages depend on daily interactions for personal development. Even during some of the most trying times in recent memory, we’ve come together—both virtually and onsite—to conduct leadership team retreats, food drives and other fundraising efforts.

The goal is to make a real difference in the lives of everyone we touch. That commitment begins with the youngest among us, but extends in an ever-widening circle of influence with organizations like the Livingstone Academy, a non-profit serving the needs of autistic children and young adults. High 5 also works “hand-in-hand” with the local Rotary Club and two Chambers of Commerce, the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, and the Greater Brandon Community Foundation, among others.